Chanelle Enjoys Success After Eight Years of Hardship

In eight years, Chanelle went through more hardships than most people endure in a lifetime.

As a single mother of two young boys, she was evicted from her rental after a financial dispute with her landlord. The dispute damaged her credit, and she was unable to rent anywhere. She came to Muskegon Rescue Mission with her boys, ages 8 and 4. While in our shelter, she learned she was pregnant with her daughter. Due to an unfortunate incident involving her child and a fire alarm, following rules, they had to leave the shelter.

A friend opened her basement to the growing family, and they stayed with her for several months after the birth of her daughter. It became too much, and she was told to leave. She spent the weekend on the streets with her children. They slept in a bus shelter across from the hospital until security guards moved them along. All weekend, she and her little family circled the hospital grounds, keeping away from security, while women working at the hospital fed them.

Chanelle scraped together enough money to move into a motel, but her trials continued. She fractured her foot badly but put a walking boot on and kept going. And once again, her money and her hope were running out. Chanelle was so worried for her children that she called CPS and asked for help.

After that desperate call, life looked better for Chanelle. She was connected to various services, and the boys were enrolled in school. Chanelle found a job within walking distance and was able to rent a house. Life was looking up…

Then came the pandemic, a challenge that tested the strength of many families, including Chanelle’s. She lost her job, and her landlord had to sell the house she was renting.

But there was one thread throughout those eight years of hardship that saved Chanelle — the support of Muskegon Rescue Mission.

Chanelle and her children stayed with us several times for short periods. At first, she struggled with the rules and structure but later learned that she was laying a foundation for her family.

So, when Chanelle saw a job opening in our kitchen, she applied right away. She recalls interviewing with our Shelter Director, who remembered her from her previous stay. Chanelle said, “She hadn’t seen me since I’d gotten my life on track. When I stayed here, my hair was always out of place, and I had a chipped tooth. Now, they see me happy, healthy, and caring for myself. I told her I would be coming full circle if I were to work here, and she replied, ‘That’s what God does. He brings you back.’”

Chanelle became a valued employee of Muskegon Rescue Mission, working as a part-time cook in our kitchen. Chanelle shared, “I know what it’s like to be on the other side of that window. That’s why I always asked people how they were doing. I saw them as individuals, not as homeless, but as people who fell on hard times and needed a hand.”

“I enjoyed encouraging the guests, showing them how far they could come if they persevere and trust in God.” Chanelle continued, “There’s nothing in life God will put you through that you can’t handle. There’s a reason for everything you go through.” Chanelle believes all her hardships and time spent at the Mission made her stronger. She shared, “I’m grateful for everything!”

Recently, Chanelle accepted a full-time job with benefits outside of MRM to help support her family. We are excited to see her flourish and grow in this new job opportunity. God may have brought Chanelle full circle, but we were just a stepping stone along the way. We will enjoy watching Chanelle’s journey continue, and all God has for her!

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